The so-called ‘tripledemic’ is prompting a whole host of health concerns as the holidays near. Here’s how to prepare.
Michigan Health Watch
In-depth reporting on the intersection between public policy and important health topics ‒ such as insurance coverage, hospital admissions, opioid abuse, access to care, medical research and the business of health care ‒ that impact nearly every Michigan resident.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
As flu slams Michigan, COVID-19 hospitalizations rise as well
After virtually vanishing amid the pandemic, influenza is back big time. Hospitals are handled the uptick so far, but White House warns of winter COVID surge.
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U-M hospital system to acquire Sparrow Health in latest Michigan merger
Lansing-based Sparrow is to become part of Michigan Medicine by next summer, offering midstate market share to U-M Health and better financial footing to Sparrow.
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Michigan Democrats eye other abortion law changes as Prop 3 set to take effect
Proponents of a Michigan constitutional protections for abortion vowed existing limits remain in place. That doesn’t preclude a Democrat-led Legislature from eventually changing them.
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Michigan hospitals lost 1,700 beds from staff shortages, seek more money
Over the past year, healthcare is one of many industries eyeballing federal relief dollars. Michigan hospital leaders say funds will bolster staff and protect health care and local economies.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan takes steps to boost bed capacity for kids in mental health crisis
Michigan has lost hundreds of mental health treatment beds for kids in the juvenile justice and foster care systems due to staff shortages. Officials hope to boost staffing by offering steadier funding to residential treatment centers.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan’s pandemic baby bump over: 2022 births sliding again
Preliminary data through June appears to show that any increase in Michigan births following COVID stay-at-home orders was just a blip. In a state aging faster than most, lagging birth rates present another challenge to its economic future.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Give thanks: No fall wave of COVID in Michigan
Cases have declined steeply and hospitalizations are dipping, but the virus is still killing more than 500 people per month.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
As RSV packs Michigan hospitals, a new need emerges: baby cribs
Hospital-grade infant cribs can be rented temporarily for surges, but now an entire nation of hospitals is scrambling, with some local vendors out of supplies. Hospitals are also running short of specialized tubing.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
A Texas lawsuit could stifle Michigan access to the abortion pill
Just when Michigan voters thought abortion rights were secure, a federal lawsuit filed in Texas by an anti-abortion coalition could curtail, at least temporarily, a medication used in 50 percent of procedures.